New NDOT Nevada Airports app helps Nevada pilots take flight

Courtesy Nevada Department of Transportation

A new Nevada Department of Transportation aviation app will provide a boost to Nevada aviation travel.

The free app offers searchable airport maps, services, communication and contact information for Nevada’s nearly 50 public-use airports. Similar information for approximately 150 privately-owned airports is also included to contact private airports if needed for potential emergency landing and response needs. The airport information is updated monthly, using both Federal Aviation Administration data and data gathered through NDOT’s annual inspections of Nevada public-use airports.  The maps are meant to aid in flight planning and are not meant to replace FAA aeronautical charts or other official flight navigation publications.

The iPad-only application is available under the name “Nevada Airport Directory.” Eventually, NDOT hopes to have an Android and Smart Phone version of the application. Created in-house by NDOT information technology staff, the app saves thousands of dollars previously spent annually to print Nevada aviation maps and airport directories. Aviation maps and information also remain available through the “mobility” tab of nevadadot.com.

NDOT is one of the first state departments of transportation to provide such an aviation app, with the goal of supporting Nevada economic development and aviation tourism, connectivity and safety.

Economic impact studies have shown that rural Nevada aviation generates $1 billion in economic activity annually, with Nevada being the fifth-most-visited state by foreign travelers.

“Nevada’s airports move Nevadans and visitors, goods, firefighters and sometimes even medical services across the state. They’re a basecamp for pilots and visitors to explore Nevada,” NDOT Aviation Manager Kurt Haukohl explained.  “Ultimately, general aviation is a vital part of our transportation network that helps keep Nevada safe and connected. Aviation supports Nevada tourism, Nevada’s economy and our overall connectivity.”

Through aviation planning, annual airport safety inspections, airport pavement condition reviews, educational programs and more, the Nevada Department of Transportation’s aviation planning section is responsible for helping ensure that Nevada’s general aviation public and private-use airports meet applicable safety requirements and provide a viable, balanced and integrated system of aviation facilities for all users.